Verbena bonariensis
Common Name: Purpletop Vervain, Tall Verbena, Brazilian Verbena
Looking equally nice planted in large masses or interspersed as a see-through plant between others in the border, this plant produces tall, delicate looking cymes of lavender purple flowers in 2-3 inch clusters. The flowers are borne on very tall, upright, slender but stiff, scabrous (sandpapery), square stems from midsummer to frost.
Most of the leaves are formed down low in a small rosette with the tall stems remaining fairly naked. They sway gently in the breeze but do not flop. If you prefer a shorter, more well-branched plant, cut it back from time to time throughout the season.
This is one of the best plants for attracting butterflies to the garden and is easier to fit into smaller gardens than the larger butterfly bush (Buddleia). It is perennial in warmer zones and reseeds reliably where it is not hardy.
